In the Lord’s Supper
As Presbyterians we recognise that the Lord’s Supper is a REMEMBRANCE of Christ for Jesus said, “do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor). Yet we understand that it is not a bare remembrance for in 1 Cor 10:16 tells us that to partake of the cup and the bread involves “communion of the blood of Christ … of the body of Christ.”
As a result we speak not merely of a symbolic presence of Christ but a spiritual presence of Christ. Terry Johnson gives us a helpful explanation and encouragement:
This argues that Christ is uniquely present in the bread and wine, that they are His body and blood spiritually. His presence is a spiritual presence. Thus, while He is not physically present, neither are the elements merely symbols. There is a special, spiritual presence of Christ in the elements so that they become His body and blood in a “true” sense, though in a spiritual sense.
What does this mean for us? It means that, though it is a mystery (and the mystery must be maintained!), through the table we enjoy what Paul calls koinonia, a “sharing” or “fellowship” in His blood and body (1 Cor. 10:16). In other words, by partaking of His body and blood, we enjoy uniquely His personal fellowship, His personal presence with us. And to take it a step further, because He is uniquely present and there is a special fellowship to be experienced, there is also a special blessing to be received. Through our fellowship with Him at the table our faith is strengthened, our character built, our love inflamed in a way that is unparalleled in our Christian experience.
The Westminster Directory says, “Communion. . . is frequently to be celebrated.” Why? Because our Lord is to be enjoyed and His blessing received through His Table in a way which is unique and cannot be made through other means. Grace is not just being symbolized but actually received. Thus, we receive and have strengthened the grace by which we were born again and united to Christ and by which we were justified, adopted, sanctified, and will be glorified.
I would ask you who doubt what I say, is there not something special about the Lord’s Supper? Isn’t there a dynamic presence that you experience nowhere else? Do we not know Him deeply, uniquely, as we feed upon Him by faith? Is there not a strengthening that occurs as we see and taste and touch the One of whom we previously had only heard? Yes, these are not mere symbols. Through the elements we enjoy communion, a “brief, bright hour of fellowship,” koinonia with our Lord.